When I was fifteen, a single bullet changed my life. I spent the next decade trying to outrun the devastation of my past, building an empire that would shield me from whatever life could throw at me.But all the money in the world couldn’t help me when I found a screaming newborn abandoned on my doorstep.I’d never wanted to be a father. Passing the sludge that ran through my veins down to an … veins down to an innocent child seemed like a tragedy. But there she was—pink cheeks, red hair, and mine.
Somehow, against all logic, that little girl became the best thing that ever happened to me. It was impossible to stay lost in the past when I was the only one who could protect her future.
Which is exactly why, when her mother came back four years later, I was ready for battle.
If only I could stop myself from falling in love with her during the war.
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REVIEW: 4 STARS
“Because love is an impossible game. Especially when only one person knows the rules.”
Warning: With as many twists and turns with this one, the amount that can be discussed without ruining book one, or taking away any element of surprise with the discoveries in this one, this review will be short and sweet. (I mean, hopefully. I never really manage to do that….) With the twist at the end of the first one, I knew going into this one was going to lead to a very emotionally charged Hero and almost scared heroine.
The weird thing is, I think this was the first time I didn’t know what I was going to rate an Aly Martinez book. I was so conflicted. Martinez is most definitely a master manipulator with her words and this story was no different. What could be probably wasn’t, but what I was for sure wasn’t…most definitely was. I loved the growth this couple shared, but I also loved the individuality she gave them as well. I fell in love with his heart but I was angry at his lack of anger. I’m a bitch when it comes to messing with kids. So she left-we all know this, but he gave in quickly – but I can also see why he did. I mean, the reasons were all there, they really were – but I personally had a hard time with how some things went down because I obviously didn’t have the full picture. I’m glad Martinez made me look within myself for not only calmness and forgiveness, but also at how I really should try to see the “other side” to things. So…I’m conflicted. Rare occurrence.
I think the only thing that I felt with this finale was that it wasn’t as climactic as I was hoping for. Not in a bad way, and as Martinez does so well – I was smiling at the end and pleased with the outcome, but I just imagined a little more “fixing” at the end. But in true AM fashion, she gives a glimpse of the possibility for more character stories, and I love that lead-in and tease.
To sum it up, this book showcased the brilliance of Aly’s words and storytelling capabilities. She can clearly test my patience while telling a magnanimous story as she strings me along a very thin line with my emotions. The heaviness was not to be outdone by the brilliance in her writing. I had to talk myself through my emotions. – walk the paces myself and work through my anger issues, as well as my empathy for both sides – evidence of her brilliance. It was just weird in that aspect for me, but oh-so-good. But, again…this is a true testament to the strength of her writing. She will always keep me reading and wanting to know more with each page turn, with each new book, and I can’t wait to read more by her.
“The only reason I hate you is because I can’t figure out how to fucking hate you at all.”
~BEE
PURCHASE WRITTEN WITH YOU (bk 2) on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2NsIy8r
–> ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY: http://bit.ly/2kN6N4M
PURCHASE WRITTEN WITH REGRET (bk 1) on AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2LHeCmX
My review: http://bit.ly/2WzMYia
Oh wow, this duet was such a knock out of the park! Written with Regret left me with a lot of uncertainty about what was to come. The ending completely switched my feelings about everything that happened in an instant. And I was just soooo unsure what I was feeling about Hadley. Now that I’ve completely devoured Written with You, I wouldn’t have changed a damn thing about their story!
Where do I even begin?! Like I mentioned before, I’m always treading carefully when it comes to Aly’s books. She just has her signature writing that truly stands out and you never know what you’re going to get.
This book picked up where things left off in WWR. Cliffhanger and all, I was just chomping at the bit waiting for WWY. The twists in Caven and Hadley’s story is absolutely insane and ones I didn’t see coming at all. Obviously, there always twists to be expected with Aly’s work, but THIS was on a completely different level.
I went through every emotion possible in this one, hurt, anger, just utter sadness and then things slowly start getting on the up and up. And of course, more curveballs are being thrown.
The Regret Duet are 2 books you never want to get in a happy little bubble with. Aly will burst it all in the best way possible with her phenomenal story-telling skills. I was head over heels in love with Caden and Hadley. And just watching these two fight through every hurdle to get their happy ever after was worth every bit of emotion I felt during their story.
Wow, what an epic tale that’ll leave a mark on you! Truly unforgettable.
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM SOCIAL BUTTERFLY PR IN CONSIDERATION FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. **
Aly Martinez
After the major twists and cliff hanger in the first part of this duet, I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to dive into this Book. I was so ready, my emotions and heart were prepared!! Famous Last words !!!
Again i was taken on a journey with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my heart shattering at any given moment. Caven and Hadley, after finding their attraction growing and developing a relationship, yet again have to deal with coming to terms with their shared past and the horrors when a major earth shattering twist comes to the fore. I really couldn’t predict how this was going to go and my heart was already so invested in this couple finding peace in their souls and happiness.
The Emotions people!!!! I can’t even find the words, Aly Martinez hits every nerve, and extracts every tear with flawless, heart shattering pages of love that are truly marred with pain, guilt and trauma. When you feel the broken pieces just can’t be mended, we get the hope, of forgiveness, acceptance and recovery. Love can conquer all, but its never easy and yet again this author throws unexpected and unpredictable twists. A broken man, with the hugest of hearts, a broken girl filled with love and hope, combined with this authors talent gives us this flawless story that will forever reside in your heart!! A DUET NOT TO BE MISSED!!
4.5 stars
Aly Martinez reminds me with each book she writes why she is one of my favorite authors. I would’ve read this book in one sitting if I didn’t have to go to sleep. I almost pulled an all-nighter because I was that hooked to the story and characters. Written with You starts where Written with Regret left of, the twist at the end of the book had me very excited to get my hands on this one. I enjoyed that this book had suspenseful elements and that it was unpredictable. Hadley and Caven were such amazing and beautiful characters and I understood every decision they made. I just love it when I am on the same wave-length as the characters, and that their actions make sense.
The relationship between Caven and his daughter Rosie is just the cutest, and the same goes for the relationship between her and Hadley. This book had me laughing, teary-eyed, on the edge of my seat and addicted. I didn’t want their story to end. I hated coming closer and closer to the end of the book, because I had to get ready to say goodbye to such awesome characters. The romance was great and fun, the realization of some things were heartbreaking. Both characters have been through so much, and continue to go through things in this book as well. I loved seeing them heal each other. The epilogue was everything and more I wanted. I think romance readers will enjoy/love this book and be surprised by all the crazy twists in the story. I already look forward to Aly’s next book.
4.5 stars–WRITTEN WITH YOU is the second instalment in Aly Martinez’ contemporary, adult REGRET erotic, romance duet focusing on thirty-three year old, IT millionaire Caven Hunt, and twenty eight-year old, artist/photographer Hadley Banks. WRITTEN WITH YOU should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of book one WRITTEN WITH REGRET.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hadley and Caven) using present day and some memories from the past WRITTEN WITH YOU focuses on the growing but struggling relationship between thirty-three year old, IT millionaire Caven Hunt, and twenty eight-year old, artist/photographer Hadley Banks. Caven’s brother Trent is desperate to prove Hadley is not whom she claims to be but it is our story line hero who will discover the truth. With their past entwined Caven struggles with the who, how and why of Hadley Banks, only to be brought full circle as the secrets from the past slowly begin to unravel. With his daughter first and foremost on his mind, Caven needs to protect Hadley from any fall-out, fall-out that is about to destroy them all.
WRITTEN WITH YOU reveals a betrayal of the deepest kind; a secret that twists the proverbial knife; the lies that fester an already infected wound. Aly Martinez pulls the reader into a nightmare of psychotic deception and heart breaking revelations. The past can never be changed but the present and the future are deeply affected. The premise is raw, gritty and intense; the characters struggles to make sense of it all.
5 INCREDIBLE stars!! I wish I could give this 10 ’s!! This is I think my favorite duet of all time. That says a lot because I have quite a few very good books at the top but this blew me away from the first page to the last page. There wasn’t a single dull moment in the ENTIRE book!!
This is book two of the “Regret Duet” and the continuation of Hadley and Caven’s story. Book one ended in a cliffhanger the size of Texas so I have been freaking out since!!
This book is amazing!! I am in love with so many things. First of all, all thing Caven!! He is my ultimate love. And Willow she is everything. God she is perfect. That’s all I will say about that. Can I also say I think Beth is pretty bad ass too. Little Rosalee is cute as shit!! That little mouth of hers is hilarious!!
I dropped the book a couple times because I was in so much shock. I literally yelled out “wtf”. I was standing up clapping and so much more. I was in awe of this book. I was in shock from all the twists and secrets and honestly I never saw any of it coming. This was a beautiful love story full of dark pasts.
I think this was written in a easy to read and flow with style. There was so much to take in yet you flew through it. Man I tried to wait to finish the last few chapters too because it was that damn good. The characters are all described to perfection without over doing it, she developed these deep connections. I mean I feel like Jerry is my annoying old man neighbor. This book was pure perfection. I can’t even give you one tiny complaint.
This author has always been on my radar because other books she has written were pretty damn good. But this duet put her at the top of the chart. It is hard for me to love a book this much, but damn it feels good.
Looking for the feels then look no further. This book is charming, funny as hell, hopeful, sad, worrisome, twisted, sexy and so much more!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review+*
I feel like a broken record when I say this because I’m pretty sure I’ve said this in every review I’ve ever written for this author but DAMN!!!!!!
Aly Martinez books are like driving a car down the interstate at 75 MPH. You are happily entertained by your radio/audiobook/kids chatter until you see someone driving erratically 2 lanes over. You stiffen up, you get hyper vigilant and you start praying. You are still watching the road in front of you but now you keep sparing extra glances for that shifty dude 2 lanes over. Just as you start to relax because Speed Racer with the inability to maintain his lane decides to exit the highway at the upcoming ramp, your vehicle gets sides swiped by a drunk driver crossing the median and you go rolling off the hill. Welcome to Aly Martinez’s story telling hour, please check your preconceived notions at the door and throw a way all sense of ease. You will only be able to piece together small bits of the out of focus puzzle. And that will cost you…
Written with You is emotional (duh, didn’t I already tell you it’s an Aly Martinez book!?! ). It is intense and it is a whirlwind of chaotic doubts, lies, and guilt. Be careful when it’s over you’re going to feel guilty for what you didn’t catch. You may even experience a deep seated desire to start therapy or read another Aly Martinez book. If either is the case, please proceed with caution. The rabbit hole can be a mighty scary place.
I have no shame in my emotional connections to characters, books, and situations I’ve never experienced. So I cried. My heart broke. My faith in humanity splintered but my happily ever after glee is fully intact. I am smiling. I freely admit this duet just solidifies my painfully obvious crush on the inner workings of Aly Martinez’s brain. Also now I need get another set paperbacks to grace my shelves!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
5 Star Review Written With You (Regret Duet #2) by Aly Martinez
Aly Martinez is a relatively new author to me and I have absolutely no idea why that is Written with You was amazing and is the conclusion to the Regret Duet. If you have not read the first book, STOP and read Written With Regret before you read this one.
Still reeling from the cliffhanger ending from book 1, I couldn’t wait to dive in and read the conclusion to Caven Hunt, Hadley Banks and Rosalee’s story.
From the first chapter Ms.Martinez had me hook , line and sinker. I was riveted and could not put it down. So much so that I read through the night just so I could finish it.
I really don’t know where to start with this review for fear of accidentally leaving spoilers. I can say that this book burrowed deep down into me and still hasn’t let go. In my opinion this was a fitting conclusion to the duet.
Written with You made me laugh, made me cry and shocked me; well written and strong characters made this a book with many twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. The epilogue was everything that I hope for and more. I highly recommend that you read this duet. It will get to you in so many ways.
5 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Written with You by Aly Martinez didn’t disappoint! It picks up where Written with Regret left off. This means you finally get answers to all the crazy questions that Written with Regret left dangling just out of reach. This is definitely a series you have to read in order!
Written with You continues Caven and Willow/Hadley’s story. There is a major plot twist that I didn’t see coming at all! Written with you is very similar to Written with Regret in that they are both heavy on the romantic suspense. It is so heavy on the suspense that it will keep you on the edge of your seat until you reach the end.
The love that Caven and Hadley show for Rosalee is incredible. They will do whatever is necessary for her happiness and well being. Whether that is lying about everything or spending time with someone they can’t figure their your feelings for, they will do it to make Rosalee happy.
I liked how you got more backstory on what happened all those years ago around the time of the mall incident. You find out more about Caven’s upbringing and the things he had to deal with as a teenager that was trying to figure out the world.
This story is written in dual POV and it alternated every chapter.
That was …. wow >>> that’s all I could muster when I finished reading this journey and not for the reasons you might think or maybe one of the reasons you won’t think, because there are several reasons why the wow!!
So here’s the thing … when you read a duet you expect the first half to surprise you. I mean that’s a given. Then the second half explains the surprise and they live HEA … FUCKING HELL, Aly Martinez is not a rule follower! YOU GUYS … this journey continues to twist and surprise. So much so, that the end just came from outer space for me. THE END people! I don’t even know if there is a single thing I can say about the plot. That’s how much *blink blink* happened for me. So I’m not gonna talk about the plot. Let’s just talk about the wizardly talent that is this author.
Aly Martinez can spin a story like no other. And this particular journey had a lot of spins. And here’s where the magic is … she’s spinning and you don’t even know you’re spinning until it’s too late. She is really good at this LOL Her characters are strong and independent and layered and very relatable. Maybe not some of their circumstances (yikes) but they are so it captivates you and you root for them and their pain becomes your pain and so does their happy!!
Okay, I’ve gushed enough LOL go forth and experience the magic! You won’t regret it!
So amazingly good. Just when I think oh…this book is my favorite she’s ever written, she goes ahead and writes the Regret Duet. You’re killing me! My heart was breaking for both Caven and Hadley. But mostly it was breaking for Rosie. That little girl just deserved to be the center of both of their worlds. I loved all of the feelings this duet pulled out of me and how I just couldn’t put it down. The pages just whipped by as I couldn’t get to what Caven would do next. What would “Hadley” do? And the twists! LOVED them! The little clues sprinkled along the way…the inkling there’s some hidden part to the story…YES! That’s the best thing about an Aly Martinez book. She’s always pulling surprises out keep things fresh and exciting.
If you haven’t picked up a book by Aly Martinez and got lost in her words…what’s stopping you? She has so many good ones to choose from and I haven’t been disappointed by a single one yet.
The most superb EPIC conclusion to Aly Martinez’s The Regret Duet is FINALLY here and its BETTER and more CAPTIVATING than YOU could possibly imagine!
Written With You is tumultuous, emotional, jaw-dropping and fiercely amazing. Caven and Hadley are incredible and have unstoppable passion and chemistry. Their conclusion is just as unpredictable as the first one and it had lots of twists which sure did keep me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the tension that had built from book 1 t0 book 2. It was intense and engaging. Exactly my favorite things I enjoy about a good duet.
Written With You gets a CAPTIVATING FIVE EPIC STARS!
To understand this book, read first WRITTEN WITH REGRET
A tragedy. A shooting. Deaths all around. Lives that intersect.
The twins Hadley and Willow didn’t realize they would have their lives changed by going to the park with their parents.
Years later, the repercussion of that bloody afternoon is still what gives way to their lives. And even more so, the search for those responsible becomes an obsession.
In the midst of all this, Caven finds himself involved in a scheme beyond his comprehension. And now, the past has come to charge its fair share.
Who is the real life thief?
Once again Aly Martinez shows what a true plot twist is.
Electrifying and addictive reading.
More than 5 stars
5 stars
Oh the exquisite torture of an Aly Martinez duet!! I honestly don’t know how she keeps doing it but this woman only throws strikes!
She killed me with a major cliffhanger in the first book and I was like an addict waiting to get my grabby hands on this book. I really can’t say much without getting all spoilery but suffice it to say, you need this duet in your life! Aly’s books are so unique; she’s always catching me off guard with her MANY twists. Steeped in emotion, raw sexiness and a love story for the ages, the Regret duet will keep you up all night turning the pages!
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
“She understood me on levels no one else could. And most of all, I had faith that if I’d just let her in, she could teach me to forgive myself too.”
Second chances. This is often what life is made of. Every time we forgive a fight, an error, a mistake, we are giving a second chance.
Willow knows that. She had a second chance to live thanks to the boy who saved her life, whom she fell in love with and never forgot. But today, she faces a decision that can forever break that boy’s heart.
Caven is about to see everything in his life change again. Is he ready to face the reality that his angel is back in his life, though not in the most angelic way? Can he forgive her secrets and lies? Will he be able to reveal all his own secrets?
Impossible not to get involved with the story of this suffering couple, who survived so many traumas, dealt with losses and still seek to overcome the marks that the past left on their souls as they strive to build a happy future.
With an emotionally intense and engaging story, the author captures the attention of the reader and make us feel the complexity of the protagonists’ feelings. There is also room for a touch of suspense and a dramatic and jaw-dropping plot twist. Super recommended for those who enjoy rich narratives and novels that leave the common place. A sensational conclusion to one of the best duets of this year.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
The Regret Duet by Aly Martinez is now complete and is a must-read. Written With You continues Caven and Hadley’s story and will take you on a wild ride! This story was full of twists and turns and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I devoured it as quickly as I could. I want to share so much about this story but it is really one you have to experience as you read it!
I loved Caven and his unwavering love of his daughter. He would do anything for her. He was strong and protective. Hadley was caring and determined. Their journey was not easy one and will captivate you from start to finish. Written With You by Aly Martinez was a story full of suspense and all-consuming and is a must-read!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
After the jaw dropping ending in Written with Regret I couldn’t wait to dive into Written with You. There was no way I was putting this story down till I’d finished it and I read it in one sitting. It’s almost impossible to review without spoilers for the first book, so I’m going to be vague.
From the beginning these characters clearly had a lot to work through but a Freudian slip opens up a whole other can of worms and sets in motion a series of events that neither of them could possibly have anticipated. If you thought the twists and turns and revelations were mind bending in book one, believe me they were just the tip of the iceberg. The plot is intense, so unexpected and unpredictable, I was consumed by it. I can honestly say I didn’t see a thing coming. I gasped so many times, I had to keep making a conscious decision to close my mouth, or risk catching flies!
In amongst all the turmoil is actually a beautiful love story. There is a real pull between this couple, a visceral and undeniable connection. I read somewhere that connection is the magic that is born out of souls feeling at home when they are with each other. For me, this describes these characters to a T. They heal each other with their forgiveness and compassion and their lives are so intertwined, they surely were meant for each other.
I loved every minute of this unforgettable duet. From the unique, unpredictable storyline to this author’s wonderful writing style, it ticked all the boxes for me. A definite top read of 2019.
This is the second installment in the Regret Duet and after Aly left us with a major cliffhanger in the last book… I needed this one like my life depended on it.
Thankfully the wait between these two books is not too long…
This book opens exactly where the last one left us and so we are thrown right in the middle of the storm… I was on the edge of my seat and I pretty much stayed there until I reached the end. Now I need a drink !!! This was intense but in the best damn way !!
Twists and turns were coming from every single angle and I am utterly exhausted. This Duet is definitely going on my “top reads of 2019” list, that’s for sure.
An ARC was provided to Wendys Wycked Words in exchange for an honest review
I was sitting on pins and needles waiting for this book and it was beyond my expectations! I was immediately pulled in and could not put it down. I thought the story was going in one direction and was so excited at all the twists and turns and answers that were revealed.
“Hadley” and Caven put me through a serious emotional roller-coaster. I was heartbroken for them, healed, anxious and finally content.
The writing is absolutely brilliant. The words, the storyline, the dialogue all flowed smoothly. At one point I was so engrossed that the only thing I could hear was the pounding of my heart and blood swooshing through my ears. That was my favorite thing, getting so into this book the world faded around me.
This was an outstanding conclusion with an ending that left my jaw agape with the brilliance of it all. I did not see that ending coming at all!
I highly recommend this duet to everyone. This duet is one of many reasons Aly Martinez is a one click author for me. She never disappoints!
Written With You is the second book in The Regret Duet and picks up where the bombshell cliffhanger left off. This extraordinarily well written love story takes an unexpected turn, one I never imagined or saw coming, and I doubt anyone else did either! It became, as Winston Churchill so famously said: ‘It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma’. In a blink of an eye this story turned into a suspense filled mystery, keeping me on my toes, and I had to keep reminding myself that a romance novel always ends in a HEA. That thought alone kept me sane, while I read nonstop all the way to the **sighing** happy ever after ending!
Do yourself a favor, and read this amazing duet, it’s going on my #TopRead2019 list. I don’t know how to write anything about this story without giving away spoilers, and I hate to do that, so I’m going to write as little as possible. Everyone needs to experience this chain of events for themselves, and enjoy the suspense filled journey. Oh, and find someone else who’s read it; you’ll want to discuss it with them at length.
“No more fighting. Someone has to win here. After everything we’ve been through, someone deserves to be happy. I want it to be Caven and Rosalee.”
Trent suspects Hadley is actually Willow, something he has no proof of, as Beth insists. Who is she really? Caven has been through too much already; there are still so many things he feels guilty of, despite knowing he wasn’t responsible for his father’s actions he’s tormented by the guilt. And who is the woman he’s fallen in love with, Willow or Hadley? All Caven knows is he will do anything to protect Rosalee. The truth will be devastating, there’s no way around it, and this is one that could ruin everything. But there are so many more secrets that are about to be revealed, and these could be deadly!
“I’d spent a lifetime in agony, I could handle it. But seeing him there, so close, his anger nothing but a mask to hide the pain—it was a blistering torture I never could have prepared for.”
I hate being so vague, but you really need to go into this amazing story blind. Trust me on this one, you’ll thank me later.
“A million words hung in the air between us. Apologies. Accusation. Blame. Guilt. Love.”